Having hard-boiled eggs prepped in the fridge allows me to eat during my busy days. It’s easy to make once you get the hang of it and great to throw on avocado toast, on top of a salad or seasoned with salt & pepper. Shout-out to my mom for coaching me over the phone throughout this one … twice.

Ingredients:

Eggs

Ice cubes

Directions:

Fill a bowl with ice water.

Place 5-6 eggs in medium pot. Cover eggs with cold water. Bring to a boil.

When water starts to boil, set a timer for 5 minutes. Turn off stove and place eggs in ice water. Let sit for 5 minutes. Crack and peel eggs.

I see so many students (especially my roommate) eating plain pasta, which gets old… fast. I always try to add a type of protein and veggie(s) into my pasta to enhance the taste and quality of the meal – it adds a couple of steps but is well worth it!

Ingredients:

Pasta

Chicken

Spinach

Mushrooms

Pasta Sauce

Directions:

Cook pasta according to labeled directions.

Slice or cube chicken, saute in medium-large sized pan until cooked.

While pasta water is boiling and chicken is cooking, chop mushrooms. Throw mushrooms and spinach into the pan.

Once pasta is cooked and drained, mix into pan. Add pasta sauce and stir. Enjoy!

Today, we speak with Brianna Donahue, a senior political science major from Mullica Hill, NJ (Gloucester County) who lives off campus. Brianna will share her #PROFspective with us on what it’s like to be a Rowan University student and how she gets the most out of her college experience as a Rowan Prof.

On your busiest day, what academic, non-academic and social responsibilities are you juggling? The busiest days include working at my job 9-5 pm, doing all of my coursework, being a member of my sorority, and job hunting since I’m graduating this semester.

Did you ever have a moment of uncertainty within your major? How did you get through the challenge? I was originally a journalism major before I took an American Government class and realized I wanted to pursue a career in public service. I was concerned about how switching my major would affect my graduation timeline, but I knew I wasn’t the only college student who has changed their path. I took a few summer and winter classes so I wouldn’t be behind and had my academic advisers helping me stay on track.

Brianna “touching” the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France during her winter abroad trip in 2017.

Tell us about one moment that made you feel like Rowan was the right fit for you. A moment that made me feel like Rowan was the right fit for me was the beginning of junior year. I had just joined a sorority, acquired an internship, and was also working full-time. I was also planning to study abroad in Europe that winter. I felt like I was finally achieving the goals I set for myself going into college.

Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges. At first, I was super excited for the transition into college. I was ready to be independent and start working toward my future. After a few months at my first college, I was crushed when I realized it wasn’t the right place for me. I knew I had two choices, to either stay and push through or leave and start fresh at a new university. I made the decision to leave and I’ve never looked back since. When I got to Rowan I immediately immersed myself into activities on campus. I joined Rowan Radio, was Assistant Arts Editor for The Whit, and joined a sorority.

What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college? There is currently a stigma that going to local universities or community college is not the ideal college experience. There is this idea that if you don‘t go away you won’t have the opportunity to experience the world or be successful. Even though I now know this isn’t true when I was a high school senior I felt the pressure of this in the back of my mind. I picked the school farthest away in an environment nothing like my current one because that‘s what I thought I was supposed to do. If I could go back and give myself any advice it would be to not pick a school for anyone but myself. I was too busy focusing on fitting the image, that I didn’t realize I wasn’t ready to go 8 hours from home. For some people going away is the fresh start that they need, but it wasn’t for me and that‘s okay. Transferring to Rowan allowed me to grow and succeed in ways I never imagined. I’ve studied abroad in Europe, held local, state, and federal internships, and met some of my best friends. The biggest lesson to be learned is that there is no one size fits all college experience and to choose a college that best helps you grow.

If you need plans for the weekend, look no further! Philadelphia is hosting its 22nd annual Cherry Blossom Festival . To celebrate America’s independence, Japan donated over a thousand cherry blossom trees to Philly in the early 1900s. Philly continues to celebrate this gift and connection to Japan for a full week every spring season.

Businesses across the city embrace this connection by hosting sushi making and rolling classes, competitions and contests, tea ceremonies, drumming workshops, a Japanese film, a fashion show, and flower-arranging demos.

This past week, I strolled through fresh and full-bloomed cherry blossom trees at Fairmount Park’s Horticultural Center (definitely a must-see). Throughout the week, Fairmount Park invites visitors to see the trees, participate in Japanese-themed activities and check out the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.

The celebration at Fairmount Parl ends on “Sakura Sunday,” a day full of authentic food, music, dancing, fashion shows, martial arts performances, arts, and crafts. Sunday, tickets are $15 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Definitely take this opportunity to learn about a new culture and appreciate the beautiful scenery.

“I love living at Chestnut because even though I live in a single, I’m surrounded by so many amazing people who also live here.” Jenn Cruz, freshman public relations major from Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County).

Meet Jelani James, a senior journalism major who lives on campus in 114 Victoria from Stratford, NJ (Camden County). Jelani transferred to Rowan last fall from Villanova University.

What wakes you up in the morning? “The drive to graduate! I’m finally a senior and I’ve waited so long for this moment. I want my family to see what I’ve been working so hard for.”

Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? “Coming to Rowan’s campus, I wasn’t really introduced to any organizations other than sports. I was finally introduced to a Jewish organization I found very welcoming and a great opportunity to make new friends.”

And lastly, why did you choose Rowan? “I chose Rowan because it was the school I knew the most about when transferring. Being away from home in another state was fun, but I knew I wouldn’t want to go that far again. I was familiar with the environment at Rowan and I knew it’d be a perfect fit for me.”